“How did you know that?”

“What’s important isn’t how I knew, but rather that you’ve been struggling with the CSPA lately. I’d like to offer you some help.”

The principal looked me up and down, as if trying to gauge my intentions.

It wasn’t widely known that he was connected to the CSPA. It was something you could discover if you knew where to look. But the fact that he was both the founder and the biggest supporter was known only to a select few, which also meant that even fewer people knew about his stingy nature.

“How? Financial support? I’m aware that you’ve been planning something with a huge investment from the Mohaim Royal Family, but as far as I know, Leonard, you’re broke.”

“You know quite well.”

“Of course. I didn’t get to this position by winning poker games. I’m particularly interested in young people like you with a bright future ahead.”

Yeah, right. He probably looked me up the moment I became a topic of interest.

“Anyway, it’s not about financial support. If anything, I should be the one getting paid.”

“…You’re a new type of attention seeker, huh?”

“I can hear you.”

“Oh, you heard that? You have sharp ears.”

The principal responded with feigned innocence.

I ignored him and continued my explanation.

Come to think of it, what I was suggesting wasn’t much different from selling insurance. However, from my perspective, knowing that it would definitely pay off made it a bit frustrating.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Fortunately, something piqued the principal’s interest.

“…Wait a minute. Did you say Fontana Unte was involved?”

“Yes. It took me just three minutes to persuade him.”

Three minutes? Now that I think about it, it took less than 30 seconds. The hard part was just getting the meeting.

“Hmm… This research lab is related to your ‘abilities,’ Leonard?”

“That’s correct.”

“And how much of a stake can you offer me?”

“Three percent.”

“Three percent? That seems a bit low. Let’s start by hearing the price.”

Three percent of all the results from the Salmon Research Lab. It may seem small at first glance, but in the future, it will be a stake that no one can take lightly.

The principal gasped when he heard the amount.

“That’s too expensive. If you know about me, you should also know I’m poor.”

“You don’t have to buy it right away. I’ll offer it to you as a stock option. You can fulfill the obligation by contributing to the lab’s operations.”

“Hmm… Are you talking about providing the aliens necessary for the research?”

“That would be ideal, but since that might be an abuse of your authority, other methods would work as well.”

There are many ways. Most of the results from the Salmon Research Lab are related to aliens. They could be used in military weapon technology, or the new equipment could be supplied to the military.

“Do you need more time to think?”

There isn’t a better offer than this. Even though it’s just a stock option, many are already approaching the principal offering several times the amount I proposed. Just buying it would result in a significant profit. It’s like handing over money.

“I should do it, but…”

The principal, who had been poor for so long that he had a keen sense for the scent of money, was still hesitating.

Why?

Because he couldn’t understand why I was making such an absurdly advantageous offer to him.

“What do you really want?”

“Nothing much.”

“‘Nothing much’ is what scares me the most.”

“I’m serious. I’m simply interested in CSPA activities. When I can, I’d like to personally observe and feel the situation at the shelter.”

“…Are you serious?”

Maybe my condition was a bit out of the blue. The principal blinked in surprise.

“Yes. I’m also very interested in the children.”

I put on a sincere smile, filling my face with warmth.

Of course, the principal wasn’t fooled. But he couldn’t completely hide his internal conflict.

“…I don’t know what you’re up to, but it’d be wise not to try anything funny.”

“Of course.”

He’s taken the bait.

The principal’s face, which had been unusually serious, returned to its usual demeanor after those last words.

“But you’re not one of those people who… likes kids, right?”

“Pardon?”

“You know, that sort of thing.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, come on, you know.”

“I haven’t signed the contract yet. Should I withdraw my offer?”

“Why are you so serious, Leonard? Haha.”

We hadn’t known each other for long, but we had already become this close. For a moment, we exchanged words with laughter, as if we were friends.

He truly is a weird old man.

“By the way, do you know what Miss Rose is up to?”

“She said it’s dessert time.”

“When you see her, let her know that I have a rare confectionery set from Earth.”

“I will.”

I let it go in one ear and out the other. This old man is really interested in Rose.

“My meeting with you, Leonard, was much more fruitful than I expected. I wish we had met sooner.”

“Likewise.”

“But Leonard…”

The principal’s face turned serious once more. The playful atmosphere vanished as if it had never been there.

“Be careful. Your ability… if you’re not careful, it could consume you.”

“I’m aware.”

More painfully than anyone else. The fact that my ability is a double-edged sword. The more it gives, the more it demands, and with that, it brings even greater dangers.